Chapter Text
Hinata absently twisted his earring. I can’t believe I let them talk me into piercing my ears. He was still getting used to the way they felt.
“Quit playing with them.” Said Suga. “They’ll heal soon and you’ll barely notice them anymore.”
“Hmph.” Hinata sighed. “I was thinking about getting some of those earrings that look like gauges. You just twist them on and they don’t poke into the side of your head.”
“Yeah, I could see you pulling those off.” Said Nishinoya before downing a nip of peppermint schnapps. Some of the boys had gathered out in the woods behind the gymnasium after practice. It all started when Azumane and Suguwara turned 18 and could buy alcohol. They’d hang out and drink, occasionally allowing some of the underclassmen to “try” it.
That didn’t last long. Eventually drinking became a normal group activity during down time. Everyone was a little anxious tonight for the party at Tanaka’s house. Especially Hinata. Tanaka’s parents were away and Hinata’s mom thought they were having a supervised sleepover. Plus, some of his sister’s college friends were going to be there.
I can’t believe I lied. I’ve never lied to her. Thought Hinata as a burning sensation traveled down his throat and into his chest
Suga shook his head and looked at Hinata. “You take shots better than I do. I can’t believe we’ve corrupted you so much. I never thought in a million years you of all first years would want to come out with us tonight.” He giggled.
“I know. Little Shoyo-chan might be able to drink us all under the table.” Chuckled Azumane.
“Shut up. You’re not corrupting me. My parents drink and smoke in front of me all the time. I’ve stolen sips. It was only a matter of time.” Said Hinata bonking the empty plastic bottle against the back of his hand. “I’m not the only first year going. I’m pretty sure Tsukishima’s gonna be there too. He’s probably just not going to drink or anything.”
“Hmph. Or anything. His brother sells pot. I bet he’s a complete stoner.” Said Nishinoya.
“What?” Suga laughed. “No way, not him. Tsuki’s as straight edge as they come. He probably won’t even come tonight.”
Noya shrugged. “We’ll see. Either way, it’ll be interesting to actually hang out with some of the guys from the team. You know, see what they’re actually like outside of practice.”
“Hey Tsuki!” Called Noya as the boys entered Tanaka’s kitchen. He gave a little smirk to Suga who was already arranging the glass contents of his messenger bag on the counter.
“So most people are probably coming around 9? Do you know about how many there’ll be?”
“No idea.” Said Tanaka. He poured some of the beer from the counter into his cup. “I think some people from Nekoma might actually be coming too.”
Hinata shuffled over to Tsukishima who jumped when he suddenly realized Hinata was right behind to him. “Jeez Hinata, I didn’t even see you there.”
“Is Yamaguchi coming?” Hinata asked hesitantly. The shot he took was already making him feel warm and talkative.
“How should I know?” Tsuki shrugged.
“I don’t know.” Hinata looked at his shoes. “The girls team is supposed to be coming too, right?”
“I guess. Should be interesting.” Said Tsuki.
Saeko entered the kitchen. She looked around the room and breathed deep. “Whelp. I’m gonna go to the bathroom and get ready.” She said. “And by ready I mean high.” She chuckled. “There’s an exhaust fan so we can smoke in there if we keep the door closed. Anyone want to join me?”
“I’m in!” Called a suddenly perky Tsukishima. Noya smirked over at Suga once more.
Hinata hesitated as everyone followed Saeko upstairs. If I don’t go with them I’m just going to be awkwardly alone in Tanaka’s kitchen. Guess I can just hang out in there with them. Not like I have to do it. He shrugged and followed the others.
Tanaka’s upstairs bathroom was big and doubled as a laundry room. What do you do if you need to poop while your mum’s doing laundry? Hinata chuckled.
“What?” Said a defensive-looking Tsukishima. “You didn’t know I smoke? ...Do you?”
“No, I’ve never tried it.” Hinata admitted.
“Told you, we’re corrupting Shoyo-chan!” Said Azumane. As he sat on the edge of the bathtub.
Hinata laughed. “Whatever. Everyone tries pot at least once. Might as well be now.” He could feel his ears getting red.
The strange smell began to permeate the air as Saeko blew smoke up into the fan. “Here.” she handed Hinata the pipe and lighter. “This is the carb.” She pointed to a hole on the side of the bowl. “You use it to clear the bowl when you’re taking a hit. Light while inhaling a bit and you can actually see the smoke going down into the bowl as you inhale. Then take your finger off the carb before you’re done.”
“Um…” Hinata took the foreign object and tried to master the concept of turning the lighter upside down without burning himself first. For his first few hits, everyone laughed at him as he kept pulling too hard and coughing.
“Here.” Tanaka handed Hinata his drink as he could see Hinata was clearly struggling.
“Thanks.” He choked out before sipping the bitter liquid. “Ack! This is nasty!” It was beer. “Tastes like piss!”
“Psh.” Tanaka waved his hand. “It’s an acquired taste. The more you drink, the better it tastes.”
Every time the pipe came around the circle to him, Hinata got a little better at it. He watched carefully as his friends smoked.
“You took to that like a duck to water man.” Chuckled Tsuki. “If only you applied that kind of determination to your school work.”
“Psh. Whatever. I’m acing PE at least.” Said Hinata.He felt good. It was like all of his nerves just washed away and he could say or do anything he felt like. He felt free. He didn’t notice Tanaka had left until he heard laughter from the stairs. Some of the girls had arrived and he was already schmoozing.
“Sounds like more people are getting here. Come on, Tanaka has a perfect table in the yard for beer pong.” Said Suga.
Downstairs, every room had people mingling around. Some people were dancing in the living room, but mostly everyone was just talking. Hinata noticed Kenma by the door looking at his phone just before Kuroo put him in a headlock and dragged him into the kitchen. Wow everyone’s here tonight. I wonder where Kageyama is?
Kenma was in the kitchen looking down into his plastic cup. “Kenma!” Called Hinata as he tossed his arms around an unsuspecting Kenma.
“Ack.” Kenma pitched and regained his balance. “Shoyo what are you doing here?” He leaned back against the cabinets.
“I should ask you that, man! You look like a fish out of water.”
“Is it that obvious?” Kenma chuckled nervously and looked up at Hinata who was caught off guard by how weirdly cute it was when Kenma peered out from behind his bangs like that.
Hinata shook his head hoping to clear his thoughts like a etch-a-sketch. Inappropriate. He laughed.
“What?” Laughed Kenma. “Are you…” He studied Shoyo. “Are you high?” He whispered through a big smile.
“Maybe.” Hinata smirked.
Bokoto and Tanaka came into the kitchen to make some drinks. “Hey, you guys wanna play Kings?” Said Bokoto.
“Kings?” Hinata cocked his head.
“Yeah, it’s a drinking game. Come on.” Said Tanaka. Hinata and Kenma followed them into the dining room. Hinata took a seat between Kenma and Tsukishima. “Okay, here’s the rules for those of you who don’t know. When it’s your turn, take a card. Every card has different rules and here they are: Ace is waterfall, you have to start drinking as soon as the person next to you does and you can’t stop until they do. 2 is “You” meaning you can pick someone and make them drink. 3 is “me” meaning you have to drink. 4 is um…”
“4 is floor.” Said Kuroo. “Everyone has to touch the floor and the last person to do it drinks. 5 is guys, guys drink, 6 is chicks, ladies drink. 7 is heaven, everyone has to put their hand up, last one up drinks. 8 is mate, pick someone to drink with you, 9 is-”
“And the person you pick to drink has to drink every time you do.” Chimed in Suga.
“Oh yeah, that’s important. Let’s see um-” Tanaka looked down at the cards in his hands.
“9 is rhyme. You say a phrase and go around the room and everyone has to say something that rhymes or else they drink. 10 is dare. You can pick anyone and dare them to do anything-within reason. Jack is never have I ever. Queen is question, which is basically like truth in truth or dare, so pick someone and they have to answer a question honestly.” Bokoto continued.
“And finally, king means you get to make a rule for the rest of the game. It can be anything.” Said Kuroo.
“Okay okay, let’s get started already! I’ll draw first.” Said Bokoto. He drew a Jack. “Oho ho! Jack right off the bat, okay. Never have I ever…” He looked around the room a moment. “Never have I ever been suspended.”
Noya scowled and drank. Inevitably he had to tell the story of how he got in a fight with Azumane in the hall at school and knocked over a vase and shoved the dean.
Suddenly all eyes were on the pretty girl sitting next to Tanaka. Hinata didn’t recognize her, but he thought maybe she went to Nekoma. “Hm, let’s see.” Said the girl, rubbing her chin. “Never have I ever… Failed a class.”
A wave of boos and hisses rose as multiple people, including Hinata had to drink. “Fucking English dude. Hate that class.” He shook his head and the cute girl chuckled.
Tsuki’s turn. “Never had I ever… Um…” He blushed. “Never have I ever had my first kiss.”
“Awww.” Kuroo and Suga both called out sarcastically. “Poor Tsuki. You’re just a first year anyway, you’ll have plenty of time.” Said Suga.
Everyone else except Hinata and Kenma drank. Hinata chuckled. “What are you laughing about Shoyo-chan?” Said Tsukishima. “You didn’t drink either.”
Hinata turned red. Everyone was looking at him. Oh shit. It’s my turn. “Oh! Um. Hmm…” He hadn’t the slightest idea what to say. There were a lot of things he had never done. Having never been kissed wasn’t one he was embarrassed about. That was no big deal. Suga was right, there was plenty of time for that. He took a sip of his drink. Even though he didn’t need to, he wanted to. The warm feeling returned. “Never had I ever been in a fist fight!” He blurted out. A few people drank and eventually told their stories.
Kuroo’s was especially surprising. “Yeah, I got into it with my old man a few times. Nothing major. Would've kicked his ass last time if my mom hadn’t stepped in…” He broke the awkward silence with a laugh. “That’s like ancient history now though. Okay, whose turn next?”
The game continued and Hinata snuck sips in between “nevers” since he had never done hardly anything compared to the upperclassmen, and he really didn’t want to be sober for the rest of the game. Before he knew it, the pretty girl was drawing a card.
“3, me!” She drank.
Tanaka was up next. He moved so quickly Hinata first thought he had fallen out of his chair. It wasn’t until he was the only person still in his seat that Hinata realized Tanaka had drawn a four. “Aw shit!” He laughed and drank.
“Tsuki’s turn!” Said the pretty girl. How does she know him?
Tsukishima drew a 5. “Guys.” All the boys drank except for Hinata.
“Come on Shoyo-chan!” Said Azumane. “Don’t tell me you’re getting too drunk!”
Hinata laughed. “No way. I could totally pass for a girl if I needed to though.” He said before taking a sip.
The table erupted with laughter. “Oh really?” Tsukishima looked down with delighted red eyes.
“Of course. Hey! Cross dressing is an important life skill, you know!” He slurred. “Should be like, part of home-ec or something.” There was something especially satisfying about making everyone laugh. He liked the attention.
Kenma chuckled heartily to himself. “Oh god, you’ve got diarrhea of the mouth Shoyo.”
Tsukishima shook his head in silence before realizing it was his turn. “Oh. 6. Chicks drink.” He tossed the card back on to the table and the girls drank. “Come on Shiho.” Said Tsuki, looking at Hinata.
Hinata responded wordlessly with a middle finger and a smile. “My turn… Assface.” He mumbled. “Okay, um. What’s 7 again?”
Everyones hands shot up. “Aw, no fair!” Last again. Hinata drank and looked around, bleary-eyed.
“Good thing your reflexes aren’t this shitty on the court. This isn’t a game you can play with your eyes closed, you know.” Chuckled Tsuki.
“Shut up.” Said Hinata.
Kenma drew a card. “King.” He smiled. “So I get to make a rule?” After a moment of thought, he continued. “Okay, every time you drink you have to make an animal noise. It has to be a different one every time too. If you repeat an animal, you have to drink twice.”
“Oh ho ho ho!” Bokoto pumped his fist into the air. “Not a bad one, rookie. Not bad at all.” Everyone laughed.
Suga’s turn. “Queen. Do I get to ask anyone a question? Hm…”
“Make it something embarrassing!” Interrupted Hinata.
“Okay Shoyo-chan, since you’re so ready, I’ll put you in the hot seat!” He took a sip of his drink. “Let’s see… Who do you have a crush on?”
“A crush!? Are you kidding me? I don’t friggen know, dude. Crushes are so stupid. What even is a crush anyway? I mean, there are plenty of pretty girls that I think are nice to look at but…”
“A crush is someone who makes you nervous and stupid.” Said Tanaka.
“Yeah, the person you have a crush on changes the way you act. For some people, it’s really obvious.” Said Suga, looking directly at Tanaka, no doubt in reference to the slobbery dog-face he makes around Shimizu.
Everyone began going off on their own little tangents here and there, and Hinata was deep in thought. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. They make you all weird like-bwah. And when they talk to you it’s like-”
“And when they look at you. Even for a second.” Said Tanaka, doubtless daydreaming about Shimizu-san.
“Exactly! I can’t stand that!” Hinata whacked Tsukishima on the shoulder with the back of his hand and said quietly. “THAT’S Why I always close my eyes when I-” He stopped himself. Suddenly his heart was in his throat. Tsukishima was staring. “I mean heh. Well, you know. Anyway.” He awkwardly chuckled. “I don’t think I have a crush.” He said loudly enough for everyone to hear. “I’m too immature for that kind of stuff!”
“Okay, okay.” Suga said over everyone else’s boos and hisses. “I actually believe that coming from Hinata. He might be a little runt, but he’s a self-aware runt, I’ll give ‘em that!”
“Shut up!” Hinata responded playfully. “Moo bitches.” He took a sip.
Tsukishima continued to stare. “Wait. What?” He cocked his head.
Hinata chuckled nervously. “What? I said moo. The sound a cow makes?”
“Dude… You were just about to say that’s why you close your eyes, what, when you spike?? Because when you spike…” Tsukishima's eyes grew wide. “Dude!” He shouted and covered his mouth to hide his hysterical laughter. Hinata had never seen him laugh like this before.
“Shut up Tsukishima!” Whispered Hinata while playfully hitting him on the shoulder. “Don’t read into that!”
“Don’t read into it? You realize what you just said right?” He whispered. “You only close your eyes when Tobio tosses to you. You just implied that you close your eyes because your crush is looking at you. Ergo, you have a crush on-”
By this point Hinata had jumped out of his chair and physically covered Tsukishima’s mouth before he could finish. “It just slipped out, okay?” He whispered. “Seriously, don’t read into that, that’s not what I meant!” Oh my god, why did I say that? Hinata flushed and thought about the look on Kageyama’s the first time he tossed to him.
“Stop it! What are you guys doing?” Azumane had gotten up to break up what looked like a fight between Hinata and Tsukishima.
Tsukishima got up and dusted himself off. “It’s nothing.” He adjusted his glasses. “Just hit a nerve I guess.”
Azumane narrowed his eyes. “Okaay… Well whatever's going on, cool it, will ya?” He looked around. Hinata realized that Azumane was likely trying to look tough in front of the girl sitting next to him and chuckled. Why was everything suddenly so hilarious?
“My turn!” Shouted Kuroo. “8, pick a date. I mean mate.” Kuroo laughed. “Definitely picking Kenma here.” He raised his cup and joined in a long sip. When they were done, both of them meowed. “Hey, you stole my animal!” He laughed.
“You guys have to drink again, you repeated an animal!” Shouted Noya.
Kenma growled and took another sip. “Looks like my rule is backfiring.”
Hinata smacked him on the back. “Hey, what level you think you could clear in castle crashers while this drunk?”
Kenma snickered. “I could beat the whole thing, I’m totally fine.”
“Well, we gotta change that. Here.” Suga poured some more whiskey from the bottle on the table into Kenma’s cup.
“You guys are trying to get me drunk!” Kenma giggled.
“Of course we are. Drunk Kenma would be friggen hilarious!” Said Kuroo.
Kenma rolled his eyes and took a sip. “Bleh.” He scrunched up his face.
So cute. Hinata caught himself and shook his head again. Tsukishima was smirking down at him. Oh shit. Stupid gay brain, shut up! Hinata laughed at himself. Oh god I think I might have just come out to Tsukishima. Of all people. Shit.
“Aaaay!” A raucous came at the door as a few more people arrived, mingling with everyone else in the living room. It was Oikawa and Kageyama. “Speaking of Kings!” Laughed Kuroo.
Hinata stood up. He didn’t realize it until he started stumbling. I’m drunker than I thought. “I’m gonna go outside and play beer pong.” Hinata said as he pointedly left the room just as Kageyama was entering. He felt his face getting red. I need some air.
Hinata stood and watched the game without talking to anyone for a while.
“Hey. Why don’t you go talk to Kageyama. I think he’s looking for you.” Tsukishima smirked.
“No way!” Said Hinata. “You’re just gonna keep giving me weird looks all night!”
“Heh. Calm down Shoyo. I don’t care. I won’t tell anyone, it’s just funny is all. It’s weird, but it’s like, it almost seems like incest, you know?”
“What?” Hinata blushed. “No it’s not. We’re a team, not a family…” Hinata turned to look up at Tsuki. “It’s really cute you feel that way though Tsuki-chan!” He said doing his best silly schoolgirl impression.
“Ew.” Tsuki grimaced. “Hey!” He called over to Kageyama and pointed down to Hinata. The two boys height advantage made it easy for them to see each other from across the crowded yard. “Suck it, Shiho.” He whispered as he walked away.
Hinata threw up his arms. “Well maybe I will!” He blurted out. God I am fucking hilarious. He thought to himself as he actually watched Tsukishima’s soul fly out of his body. What is wrong with me?
He could feel his stomach turn when he caught a glimpse of Kageyama. “Hey! Dumbass!” He barked from across the yard. He had a drink in his hand. “What are you doing, veggin out here?”
Hinata smiled. “Veggin out, duh.” He shrugged and took another sip.
Kageyama shook his head. The two boys drank in silence as they watched the kids play beer pong.
“Hey um.” Hinata looked up at Kageyama. “You drinking?”
“Tch. Obviously. Not a lot. This is only my second one.” Said Kageyama. He raised an eyebrow. “You look like you’ve had a few. How long ago did you get here?”
“Erm. Before 9. I smoked a little upstairs before everyone else got here with some of the volleyball guys.” Hinata shuffled nervously.
“Oh.” Said Kageyama in an unfamiliar tone.
Wait, was he not invited earlier? Does he feel bad that the upperclassmen wanted to hang out with me and not him? Is that even true? Am I… Am I cooler than Kageyama?? Hinata beamed at the thought.
“What?” Asked an annoyed Kageyama.
“Nothing. It’s just, I beat you here, is all.” He blushed. Tsukishima shot him a look from the porch, which didn’t go unnoticed by an increasingly nervous Hinata.
“Shut up.” Said Kageyama flatly.
“Are they still playing kings in there? It’s an awesome game, you’d love it!”
Kageyama scowled.
Back in the dining room, Tanaka and Bokuto were having some in-depth conversation about college and the pressures of choosing a major. They were both pretty drunk. Azumane and Noya were both flirting with girls. Kageyama and Hinata continued walking through the room as they could both easily sense none of the conversations in this room had room for either of them.
Kenma and Kuroo were in the living room getting a game of castle crashers started on Xbox. Kenma waved them over. “Come on Shoyo, you can be the green guy.”
“Hell yeah! Kageyama, you be the red guy.”
“I hate the red guy. I like the green one.” Said Kageyama. Hinata knew that.
“Okay, okay. We’ll thumb wrestle for it!” He grabbed Kageyama’s hand and forced him into an epic battle. Hinata squirmed his entire body around as Kageyama pinned his thumb down. “Nooo!” Hinata hated losing. Without thinking, he tackled Kageyama on to the couch. Suddenly, Kageyama was looking at him, and he was nervous. He got up and scratched his head. “Hah. Sorry, got a little carried away. You win” He blushed.
“Obviously. Dumbass” Said Kageyama, righting himself.
Hinata couldn’t help but notice how flushed Kageyama’s cheeks had gotten. He was drunk.
“Let’s play.” Said Kageyama, selecting the green knight.
“Sure.” Said Hinata after shaking his head clear.
Hinata awoke on the floor with a headache. “Uugh. Where’s the bathroom?” He asked before even opening his eyes. From the couch, Hinata heard Kageyama turn over and utter the cadence of “I don’t know.”
Looking around, Hinata regained his bearings and ran the sink in the bathroom. He was so unbelievably thirsty he cupped his hands and drank the tap water right from the sink. He gasped after taking in more water than he ever thought he could. I think I’m gonna puke. But he didn’t.
Hinata descended the stairs looking miserable. Kenma appeared in the kitchen doorway with a gatorade in hand. “Here.” From the hall Hinata could see the clock on the oven said 4 AM.
“I thought it was morning.” He rubbed his eyes.
Kenma shrugged. “Technically it is. Here.” He handed Hinata his drink. “This will make you feel better.”
The cold blue liquid was the most satisfying thing he ever drank. “This was my first time drinking.” He admitted.
“I could tell.” Chuckled Kenma. “It’s okay, it was mine too.”
“I um, don’t remember falling asleep. I was only out for a few hours, but I feel so awake right now.” Hinata scratched his head.
“Yeah, me too. Heh. You have some serious lack of inhibition when you’re drunk, you know.” Kenma blushed.
“Really? I don’t even remember half the night…”
Kenma shrugged. “Think I might have caught what you and Tsuki were fighting about during kings…”
Hinata cocked his head.
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it to myself…” He looked away. “I actually think it’s kind of cute.”
It took Hinata a minute to realize what Kenma was talking about. Oh shit, he doesn’t mean… “No! It’s not like that! It’s not! He was putting words in my mouth, I dont-” Hinata realized he was nearly shouting and stopped himself. “It’s not like that, okay? I was talking about… Something else.”
“Sure.” Said Kenma with a smirk before going upstairs to use the bathroom.
Kageyama turned over a groaned. Hinata jumped. Good god I need to get out of here.
Hinata half expected his bike to be moved or somehow vandalized. From the look of the house, the party had gotten a little crazy. Unable to function fully, Hinata walked his bike to the foothill store and bought himself another gatorade.
Ukai stood with his arms folded, watching Hinata carefully as he approached the counter. “You’re up early.” He raised an eyebrow at the disheveled Hinata.
“Yeah I um. Couldn’t sleep. Got some kind of stomach bug.”
“Uh-huh.” Said Ukai incredulously. “Just uh. Get some sleep.” He said awkwardly.
Can he tell that I’m hung over? Oh shit, do I smell like weed? Hinata suddenly became paranoid of his way home. If Ukai reacted like that, what’ll my mum think? He stopped on the sidewalk to sit on the curb and think.
Why did I say that? He thought back to his conversation with Tsuki and Kenma. Is that even true? Do I close my eyes because of him? Hinata thought back to all the games and competitions and times he had tackled Kageyama. He thought about the childlike joy he got from messing around with him. That’s just the type of thing buddies do. I’m just messing around. Not flirting. “Definitely not flirting.” He said out loud before slapping himself on the face with both hands. “Okay.” He tried to smooth his hair and make himself a little more presentable, just in case.
Back home, his mom was most likely hung over too, because she was passed out on the couch. Hinata was able to sneak back into his room and crash in bed with his gatorade handy. Just as he got comfortable, he realized he probably needed to move the trashcan next to the bed. Just in case. I feel like I’m going to actually die. Uuuuugh! He wanted to groan out loud, but didn’t want to make a raucous. This is stupid. He tried to shake his head clear again.
Just before he fell asleep, Hinata suddenly remembered one critical detail. I was on the couch. He thought back to Tanaka’s living room. We fell asleep on the couch together. Oh my god. He remembered the feeling of a warm body next to him. We were totally spooning before he kicked me off the couch. The flush of embarrassment returned. Was that what Kenma was talking about? There wasn't anything weird about that, right? ...Right?
“Quit it!” Kageyama laughed as he tried to shove Hinata off of him.
He couldn’t help it. Seeing Kageyama laugh made him so uncontrollably happy. “No way!” He feigned anger. “You have to admit that the green guy sucks!”
“Never!” Kageyama shouted. “You just suck at the game!”
“That doesn’t mean you can just ignore me when I die! You have to heal your buddy, it’s like the rules!” Hinata folded his arms and huffed.
“How the hell do you guys play on a volleyball team together?” One of the girls from Nekoma asked. Hinata had since learned her name was Sango.
“What? You mean because we fight so much?” Hinata raised an eyebrow.
She giggled. “Well yeah, that and…” She rolled her eyes.
Hinata and Kageyama both cocked their heads to the exact same angle.
“Oh my god you guys are so fucking cute!” She covered her mouth to laugh. “Nevermind.” She waved her hand got up to talk to her girlfriends.
Kaneyama shrugged and finished his drink.
“Okay children, take these.” Saeko came in with a case of water bottles.”Everyone drink one of these at least, okay.” She pointed directly at Hinata. “You’ll thank me later.”
“Aww, look at you, being the nice responsible sister.” Said Noya.
Saeko stood proud with her hands on her hips. “You know it. It’s like I’m almost an actual adult. Now who wants fun dip?” She said as she produced a bag of candy seemingly from nowhere.
“What took you so long?” Said Tanaka as he took a water bottle.
“Well it’s not like I could go to the foothill store and buy hangover supplies from Ukai. I had to go to the one on the other side of town.”
“Dude. It’s not like he knows they’re for us. You’re so paranoid.”
“You’re welcome!” She brushed him off and went into the kitchen.
“Sisters are so stupid.” Tanaka shook his head.
“No way! Your sister’s the coolest!” Said Hinata. “I wish I had a big sister like her!”
“You just want someone’s closet to raid cause your sister’s clothes don’t fit you.” Commented Tsukishima.
“True.” Hinata did nothing to defend himself. “Ooh!” Hinata got distracted and went out on to the porch. “Kitty!” A grey cat sat on the railing.
“This is Kevin.” Said Tanaka. “Be nice to him.
Kevin meowed.
“Hey! Who’s meowing out there!” Shouted Kuroo through the window.
“It’s an actual cat this time, I swear!” Shouted Kenma before meowing under his breath.
“Hey!” Kuroo hopped out the window. “I want to pat Kevin!”
Kenma picked up Kevin and scratched his ear. Kuroo stumbled over and clumsily pet the cat.
“Hey, pet the cat, not me!” Said Kenma. “Actually, you can pat me too if you want.” He said before leaning his head against Kuroo’s shoulder. The sudden closeness of the two boys made Kevin leap out of Kenma’s arms.
“Dammit Kenma, you scared him!” Kuroo shoved Kenma away.
Kenma pouted. “Sorry.”
Hinata noticed Kageyama’s eyes try to follow kevin as he disappeared into the woods. “Do you like cats?”
“Hm?” Kageyama hadn't been paying attention. “Yeah, I have a tabby. I think I’ve seen Kevin sniffing around my yard. I don’t let mine out. He’d probably kick her ass.”
Hinata laughed. “Were you really trying to decide whose cat would win in a fight?”
“My cat would kick both their asses!” Said Kuroo.
“My dog would eat them for lunch.” Laughed Suga.
“Aw what kind of dog do you have?” Hinata lit up.
“Jeez, you really like animals, huh? I have a pit. His name’s david.” Said Suga.
“What is it with you people and giving your animals lame american names? I would call my kitty Sakura or something. Maybe Clover.” Said Hinata.
“Dude that’s like the gayest thing I’ve ever heard.” Said Kageyama. “My cat’s name is Odin.”
“You’re the gayest thing I’ve ever heard. And what kind of a name for a girl is Odin?” Said Hinata.
“It’s a Norse God dumbass. You’d know that if you aid attention is world lit.”
“Shut up!” Hinata put up his hand and shouted like he was calling for a toss. He loved making Kageyama laugh.
“Hey Tanaka, what are you gonna do for your sister’s birthday? It’s tomorrow, right?” Said Suga.
“I don’t know. She doesn’t really like gifts, so usually I just do something nice for her, like take her chores or clean her car. I don’t know what I’ll do this year yet though. I’ll have to do something cute.”
Hinata was half-listening while trying to perch on the raining without falling off. It was actually quite difficult. “Hey! Um!” He suddenly piped up. “Did you know that I have been told that um. I am cute??” He pointed to himself and nearly lost his balance in the process.
Tanaka coked his head and everyone was silent for a moment before Tanaka and Noya began laughing hysterically. “What dude???!”
“What?” Kageyama and Kenma looked around confused.
“Don’t-” Kuroo tried his best to collect himself enough to speak. “Don’t even worry about it, children, it was an inappropriate comment.”
“Yeah, cover your ears!” Said Noya.
“We’re the same age dumbass!” Hinata hated hearing Kageyama call anyone else dumbass.
Suga collected himself and sipped his drink. “Hinata is easily the coolest fucking first-year I have ever met!” He held his side.
Hinata beamed from within The third years really do think I’m cool!
“What are you guys doing out here?” Oikawa came out on to the porch upon hearing everyone laughing so hard. “The neighbors are gonna hear you, you know.” He chuckled.
Oh, that’s right. Oikawa and Kageyama came together. Why were they together? He felt weirdly jealous. “Oh, you know, just decreasing our life expectancy. Do you have any pets Oikawa?” Asked Hinata.
“Yeah, I have a dog. Why?”
“Grr, why does everyone have a pet but me??” Pouted Hinata.
“Shut up, dumbass, I’ll buy you a goldfish. You’ll match.” Said Kageyama, grinding the heel of his hand into Hinata’s head.
“Yeah, you’ll both have the same attention span. It’ll be perfect.” Said Noya.
“What’s your dog’s name?” Asked Hinata, completely ignoring Noya.
“Susan.” Oikawa raised an eyebrow.
“Jesus christ man! I’m gonna have to name my cat Gary!” Said an exasperated Hinata.
“Susan would kick all of your pets asses.” Said Kageyama.
“How do you know Susan??” Asked Hinata.
Kageyama shrugged. “I don’t know, from work? She’s my shift leader.”
Everyone laughed except Hinata. He’s been to Oikawa’s house?
“Oh, come on Hinata, you can come over and play with my dog, okay?” Suga slapped Hinata on the back.
“Kageyama.” Hinata marched up to him and stuck his finger in his face. “You are going to introduce me to your cat, okay?”
“Okay, jeez.”
“You promise?” Hinata looked up, flushed and flustered.
Kageyama looked down, momentarily caught off guard. “Whatever, dumbass.” He ruffled Hinata’s hair.
“Hey!” Hinata jumped back and smoothed down his hair. “I hope you don’t pat your kitty that rough!”
“You creep, I wasn’t patting you!” Kageyama blushed, flustered.
“You guys are weird.” Said Kenma, straight-faced, sipping his drink.
“Look who’s talking, crazy cat lady!” Blurted Hinata.
“Whatever, I’m getting another beer.” Said Kageyama.
“Ick. How can you drink that crap?” Said Hinata.
“Hey, don’t knock it, git it another try.” Tanaka handed Hinata his cup.
Hinata drank slowly and made a pensive face before swallowing. “I could it see it tasting good to people who, like-” He took another sip. “You know, hate themselves.”
Kageyama doubled over laughing as he continued walking away. Tanaka took his beer back and made a weird face.
“Can we smoke out here?” Tsukishima stepped outside and produced a joint from his pocket.
Tanaka shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”
Tsukishima took a hit and offered one to Tanaka who accepted. Kageyama returned with a beer and a bottle of water in hand. He handed the water to Hinata. “Here, you should probably switch to water.” He said, looking into Hinata’s almost empty cup.
“What? You think I’m getting too drunk?” A quick rush of fear swept through Hinata’s chest as he realized Kageyama actually looked concerned.
“Yes.” Kageyama growled. “You’re obnoxious. Here. Just drink it..” He shoved the bottle into Hinata’s chest and put his cup on the ground.
“Heh. You guys sound like an old married couple.” Tsukishima smirked.
“Shut up!” Hinata and Kageyama shouted in unison.
Hinata turned over and unlocked his phone. He had 40 notifications on his facebook app. What the-? I never get this many notifications. He opened the app and saw a bunch of people people liked a some photos he was tagged in. Oh god. He didn’t remember having his picture taken, and he was afraid to open it.
One of the pictures was of Saeko painting his nails. Oh. He looked at his fingers. Well that explains that. He chuckled. The next one was of him and Kageyama. Oikawa posted it and captioned it with a heart-eyed emoji.
Hinata started to remember that he had wrapped his arm around Kageyama for support as they stumbled back inside. “Smile losers!” Called out Oikawa as he held up his phone. Naturally, the urge to do something silly overcame Hinata and he planted a kiss right on Kageyama’s cheek. The look of shock on Kageyama’s face was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. Oh my god. I remember. We passed out on the couch together like right after this. Shit. Shit. Holy shit. He sprang up and paced around his room. He got a text.
-You alright?
-Are you at home already?
-(...)
It was Kageyama. The typing icon showed for a while, then disappeared. It was Kageyama. Hinata thought about responding, but didn’t start to type yet. He didn’t want him to know he had even gotten the text yet. What do I even say? Am I alright?
-Yeah, I’m alright.
-Well, sort of… *bleh*
-(...)
-(...)
-k just checking
-I saw ukai at the store on my way
-i think he knows :-x
-u dumbass!!!
-y would u go there of all places !
-i was thirsty…
Is this normal for Kageyama? Hinata poured over the few texts and carefully analyzed them for any weirdness. Maybe he remembers less than me… No way, I was way drunker than him. Shit. Shit! Hinata's face lost all its colour as he remembered more and more details from the previous night. Whatever. It's not a big deal. It's not like anyone was really listening that closely... Except for Tsuki. Fuck Tsuki.